[Children play in an abandoned schoolyard in Deir Ezzour. 17 January 2013. Via Lens Young Deri.]

[This is a roundup of news articles and other materials circulating on Syria and reflects a wide variety of opinions. It does not reflect the views of the Syria Page Editors or of Jadaliyya. You may send your own recommendations for inclusion in each week's roundup to syria@jadaliyya.com by Monday night of every week.]

Regional and International Perspectives

Iran-Brotherhood Ties: Rooted in History with Eye on Future Hassan Hassan says “a closer look at the historical links and ideological similarities between Tehran's mullahs and Arab Islamists shows that not only could Iran build ties with the emerging political forces in the region, but that it could develop a sustainable special relationship.”

As the Appeal of Islamism Fades, Arab Secularism can Soar Jasmine Roman writes: “the death of Arab secularism has been exaggerated. The mantra of secularism in the Arab countries is far more complex than a clear segregation between political and religious institutions, and the future of secularism in the region is more complicated than just the rise of Islamism.”

Jabhat al-Nusra’s Goals Extend Beyond SyriaHussein Jemmo says “they see Syria as merely a single step in a journey taking them from Aleppo and Idlib to the Alawite mountains in Latakia, and eventually extending to regions beyond Syria.”

A New Method for Syria’s Security Services?Marah Mashi says “nowadays, at the very least, it has become important for the security services to appear professional, even if it’s just another manifestation of the same foul tactics.”

Conversations: A Pharmacist in Qamishlisays “the other day there was a women’s march, but I no longer go out because our protests have been corrupted and are now distant from the spirit of the revolution.”

A Revolution Within the Revolution The “Syria First: We are an Ethical Alternative Campaign” was launched by activists last November to reiterate the need for non-violent resistance as opposed to “distractions,” including militarization, growing sectarianism etc.

Al-Quds Al-Arabi writes about the dire situation of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries, and the apparent reluctance of the Arab governments in the Arab league to relieve their humanitarian crisis.